If you missed this year's Global Champions Tour of London, we've rounded up a taste of the action — from grand prix tension to elaborate topiary and lobster lunches
1. Showjumping can be an excessively tense — and cruel — sport…
Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson took the Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) grand prix of London riding Casall ASK — with John Whitaker and Argento missing out by an agonisingly narrow 0.08seconds.
2. … particularly for the family looking on
From left to right: Jack, Michael and William Whitaker watch the grand prix anxiously.
3. Some people had a better weekend than others
Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly took a heavy fall from Old Chap Tame in the grand prix.
Continued below…
We may be more accustomed to muddy gateways and burger vans, but there’s a whole other world out there of
Are these the most glamorous equestrian venues in the world? PICTURES
4. Home crowds make all the difference…
Laura Renwick took the final class of the London Longines Global Champions Tour, the CSI5* Massimo Dutti Trophy, with the nine-year-old gelding Bintang II. “It’s lovely to be jumping at home, it’s lovely to be at a GCT event and then to win is just the icing on the cake,” said Laura after the class.
4. …and you can always rely on British fans to turn up whatever the weather
Come rain or shine, true fans will have their Union Flags at the ready.
5. Grown-ups are not adverse to a fairground ride
The Longine Carousel seemed to attract plenty of (adult) attention.
6. This year’s venue had the wow factor…
Having moved from last year’s Horse Guards location in central London, the new Syon Park venue situated next to the River Thames and Kew Gardens provided a stunning backdrop. It was just a shame there weren’t more spectators to enjoy it…
7. …and there were extensive facilities to keep the riders happy too
Competitors enjoyed ample space to warm-up their horses.
8. VIPs are treated very, very well on the Global Champions Tour
Lobster was on the menu for the VIPs’ lunch — topped off with front row seats to catch the top-class action.
10. And finally… showjumping-shaped hedges really do exist…
Topiary at its best at Syon Park.
11. …as do balloons
One Longines ballon escapes during the grand prix.
